After the elections, Knesset member David Bitan tried to establish an internal group in Likud with members of Knesset Dodi Amsalem, Nissim Vatori and Israel Katz, with the aim of putting pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before dividing the portfolios.
The four denied rumors about the establishment of such a block, but screenshots from the phone of MK Nissim Vettori obtained by Israel Hayom, including Vettori’s correspondence with Bitan, reveal that the group was indeed formed. Bitan tried to hold a meeting, but it did not materialize. The correspondence also reveals Bittan’s rage and harsh words against Vatori, when Bittan realizes that Vatori intends to “air” him.
In the exchange of messages, Bitan asks Vatori if he is coming on Sunday, “to sit with you. We are organizing, if you want – tomorrow morning.” The next day Bitan texts Dodi Amsalem’s home address and arranges with him on Monday at 1:00 PM.
In the meantime, rumors are spreading about the establishment of the Likud group against Netanyahu, and MK Vettori is alarmed. He tweets on Twitter in an attempt to distance his name from the group: “Don’t believe every spin, especially when it comes out when I’m in the synagogue. I pray for the success of the coalition led by Netanyahu.” Bitan turns to him on WhatsApp and asks for an explanation: “Are you making fun of me? I want to know if you are with me or not.”
Vettori answers him: “I’m only with you. I don’t want the media to write about things they didn’t ask me. I have a problem with Israel (Kaz) – I don’t believe him. We will meet and talk about everything.”
Bitan replies: “What does this belong to Israel? If you write something like that, then it means you are not with me. In the Knesset, tweets are important. Nissim, you are not stupid.” Vettori tries to calm Bitten and writes to him: “Let’s meet tomorrow.” Bitan replies: “Are you in the war with me or not? No stories. If you want to be with Bibi, then be.”
Another day passes. Vettori is interviewed and denies any connection to the establishment and partnership in the group. Bitten gets angry and writes harsh words to Laatori on WhatsApp: “There’s no point in meeting us. You’re disgusting. I don’t want anything to do with you anymore.” Vettori replies: “You attacked me. I’m new. Where did Israel go?” Bitan in response: “We did… Aren’t you ashamed? Go Kibinimet.”
Knesset member Israel Katz refused to comment. Bitan’s response was: “I never denied that there were conversations related to appointments within the Likud. There were other MKs who talked to each other about this and I don’t see anything special about it. It’s not about organizing against Netanyahu, but something internal.”
Amsalem’s office responded: “The issue is neither interesting nor relevant. Neither a meeting nor a block. Nonsense.” Manisim Vattori responded: “It’s ridiculous that members of the Knesset don’t have a millimeter of privacy. I will check the legality of the invasion of privacy. Maybe you also saw my correspondence with my wife? We all stand behind the prime minister united and look ahead.”